Loading ...Things to do and have fun doing on the big island of Hawaii
What Can I Do On The Big Island?
There are a multitude of excellent swimming beaches but a visit the black sand beaches of Kahena Beach and Punaluu Beach are a must, as is the green sand beach of Puu Mahana. Hapuna Beach is a favorite and falls into the category of the tourists classic version of what a Hawaiian beach should look like. Surfing enthusiasts will be drawn to the Hilo Surfboard Company to see their large selection of surfboards across the ages.
Snorkel the waters of Kealakekua Bay, where a monument marks the spot where Captain Cook was killed in 1779, as well as the Kapoho Tide pools. Kahalu’u Beach Park, Honaunau and Hookena Beach Park are popular snorkeling spots on the southwest side of the island.
A must for scuba divers are the night dives off the Kona coast to view giant manta rays feeding in about 30 feet (9 metres) of water. Sea turtles, dolphins and colorful fish are commonplace on dives out of Kona and Hilo, with the clearer water on the Kona side.
Take a drive around the rim of the massive Kilauea volcanic crater. The Chain of Craters road will provide views of active lava flows across the highway and into the ocean. Visitors staying on the Kona side of the island, and wanting to see the volcano flows, should plan on a night in Hilo since the round trip drive will take about 9 hours. A helicopter flight over the volcano’s may be a suitable alternative.
Hike with experienced guides through the Kula Kai Caverns located near South Point, the timeless beauty of the Waipio Valley, “The Valley of the Kings”, the short hike to the Akaka Falls as well as hikes in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Moana Kea is home to the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy, but at a height of 9,300 feet above sea level, it may not be suitable for younger children or adults with breathing problems. View the stars at the International Astronomy Center or visit the Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii located in Hilo. During the winter months, play in the snow at the top of Moana Kea and swim at one of the beaches, all in the same day.
